The Boulder Valley school board got its first look Tuesday at budget scenarios for the coming school year, including the possibility of cuts if the state reduces funding because of impacts from the coronavirus shutdowns.

The current Legislative session was suspended because of coronavirus concerns, with plans to resume on May 18 after a two-month hiatus. Passing the state budget, which includes K-12 funding, is the main priority.

“By May, we will have a much better idea of where things stand,” Boulder Valley Chief Financial Officer Bill Sutter said during the virtual meeting, adding an updated state economic forecast is expected May 12.

The best case scenario, he said, is if next school year’s per-pupil revenue from the state stays the same as in the current school year — which would mean no cost of living raises for employees.

Teachers still would see salary increases based on experience and continuing education, at a cost to the district of $2.8 million. The district also is required to increase its contribution to the Public Employees Retirement Association by $1.3 million and would cover $1 million in health insurance premium increases.

Along with no increases in per-pupil funding from the state, the district expects to see enrollment drop by about 220 students in the fall.

He also provided scenarios based on either a 2.5% or 5% funding cut from the state. While the district could manage the 2.5% cut by using money set aside to address staffing needs after the start of the school year, a 5% state reduction would require the district to make $3.8 million in budget cuts.

If state cuts exceed 5%, he added, “there will be a lot of tough decisions that need to be made.”

The district’s current plan is to ask for public feedback on the budget at the May 26 school board meeting, with the board set to approve the budget June 9.

In other business, Superintendent Rob Anderson gave an update on other impacts of the coronavirus and praised teacher and district efforts focusing on equity during remote learning.

Anderson promised a decision next week on whether to extend in-person school closures through the end of the school year, noting that’s when Gov. Jared Polis plans to make a decision about statewide school closures. Schools now are closed by a state order through April 30.

He said the district is working on how to measure gaps in learning created by school closures, as well as what extended learning opportunities could be used to address those gaps. More specifics are expected to be available next week, and the preliminary budget includes $300,000 for extended learning in the fall.

Plans for summer school also are under discussion, as are what measures will need to be taken for students to safely return to in-person classes in the fall. Anderson said there’s no clear direction right now, but the district will follow parameters set by health officials and will prioritize student safety.

“We’re just going to have to get comfortable being uncomfortable and making new and different decisions for kids to make sure they’re safe,” he said.